G Sponge

ABSTRACT

The G Sponge is a wiping device for cleaning excess water and grout that occurs during tiling. The sponge material is formed from Polyvinyl Alcohol to provide high absorbency. The fabricated etchings catalyze the wiping process and internal borings provide ventilation for drying.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

NOT APPLICABLE

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of tile installation work. It is focused on the process of cleaning excess water and grout materials during the grout clean-up.

Grout and water clean-up is a time-intensive part of the tiling process. A sponge and a bucket of water is normally used to perform this. Traditional sponges used for this purpose aren't sufficiently absorbent and require frequent wringing. They also aren't dense enough to push the excess grout and water off the tile which, in turn, exponentially increases the number of passes needed to wipe clean. This is further exacerbated by the low friction surface of a sponge. Lastly, typical sponge material isn't very durable and can easily shear requiring frequent replacements.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the aforementioned background, it is understood that time and effort savings can be gained with a more efficient grout cleaning device.

Thus, a primary objective of the invention is to efficiently wipe away excess grout.

A corollary objective of the invention is rapidly remove water that's mixed with this excess grout but not simply displace it (along with the grout).

Another objective of the invention is to reduce the number of wipes required over the surface of the tile.

A further objective of the invention is to facilitate more rapid drying than Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) sponge material typically affords.

A final objective of the invention is to inhibit ripping and sheering, which is frequently encountered with available tile sponges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

A further understanding of the utility and advantages of the design can be gained by referencing the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a top view of the invention as a rectangle of varying size but with sharp 90 degree edges.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view with etched channels running lengthwise. Their depth and precise path could vary but would alternate as troughs and peaks. The corners are depicted as rounded.

FIG. 3 is a length side view and could represent either side. There are ventilation holes that could vary in number, size, and shape.

FIG. 4. is a width side view. The bottom channels are depicted and called out in order to show their architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following details are provided to illustrate the invention. The G Sponge is a device for the purpose of wiping away excess grout and water during tiling. It's comprised of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) sponge material that is highly absorbent at many times its weight. This sponge material is resistant to ripping and shearing as well as affection by chemicals.

Referring to figures, FIG. 1 shows that the overall form of the invention is a rectangular. Dimensions can and may vary but will accommodate an ergonomic grip for an average adult hand.

As shown in FIG. 2 [1], the bottom surface has grooved channels to facilitate collection and movement of excess grout during wiping. These are set at a reasonably shallow depth to prevent too much build-up in a single wipe. Although the precise depth may vary, the channels will generally run lengthwise with evenly spaced etchings so as to create alternating troughs and peaks. The carving of the channels called out in FIG. 4 [3] will include angles that are greater than 90 degrees in order to help with moving excess grout versus trapping it.

Also, the length and width edges of the sides meeting the surface of the bottom are rounded to efficiently wipe larger excess grout without displacing needed grout lines. The radius of the rounding may vary.

FIG. 3 [2] depicts cylindrical air gap holes cut sideways completely through the sponge to facilitate faster drying in between uses. The number, size, and shape of these may vary in order to obtain optimal water evaporation without risking the overall structural stability. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wiping device to clean excess grout during tiling that incorporates features of high absorbency, ventilation and shape.
 2. The wiping device of claim 1, when it's material is a Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) sponge.
 3. The wiping device of claim 1, which is a rectangular and reasonably sized for gripping by a human hand.
 4. The wiping device of claim 1, whereon the bottom surface is etched with channels.
 5. The wiping device of claim 1, whereon the bottom edges and corners have a rounded shape.
 6. The wiping device of claim 1, wherein there are ventilation holes to speed up drying before reuse. 